St. Walter's School

Monthly News

Dear Kindergarten Parents,

This week is Catholic Schools week so first let me thank you for choosing St. Walter's (especially for Kindergarten!) There are many fun activities planned for the week. (Refer to last note from me.) Thanks to all who attended the Open House/Mass.
Also we are quickly approaching our 100 day celebration! In the January newsletter I advised you to begin putting together with your child a 100 "collection"...the time has come to bring it to school! (Remember making 10 piles of ten will make it easier to do with your child!)
**100 day - Tuesday, Feb 7th is our 100th day of school! (Refer to note sent 1/29/12 with details.) Students are to come to school with their 100 collection clearly marked in a Ziploc bag, container, or glued to a board. Also, all kindergartners are to come dressed (no uniforms) as if they ARE 100 years old. Let your child help choose what he/she will be wearing-be creative (glasses on a chain, canes, beards, white hair ,etc.) We will be doing lots of 100 day activities-it is a fun and silly day .Have fun with your "oldster"! Don't be surprised if that morning he/she is moving a bit s-l-o-w-l-y... or has difficulty hearing you …..or trouble seeing things clearly…..
**Booklists- remember to turn in your Jan. lists-your child can copy the book titles for you. Classbooks, library books, bookbags and wordless stories count towards your list -add them on. Your child earns a free Six Flags ticket with sheet turn-in (new one sent to all on 1/31/12.) This list is part of your child’s monthly “homework”.
**Book orders- due by February 9th. An easy and inexpensive way to fill your at home reading shelf! Check it out if you haven’t yet this year. Many books we have read in class.
**Valentine's Day - Tuesday, February 14th we will be having a class party in the afternoon. Your child will be bringing home a numbered class list of 17 names shortly. Students may address the envelopes but please include the classmate’s number (think of it as the “address”) also. This makes passing them out quite a bit easier. I encourage you to have your child sign his own name by doing a few Valentines each night. Individually wrapped treats and completed valentines (both labeled ) may be sent ANY TIME up to that day . Ms. Mach has all helpers and supplies secured. Don’t forget to send an undecorated shoebox by 2/9 please.
**Library books-check out is the first school day each week (usually Mondays) so please return your book as you finish it. If your book is not back by the following checkout your child must wait another week to get a new book. We ONLY check-out one day so please return it by then. We do have a spot in class to hold books until check out day so if they are returned, they are held until return/checkout day. Please help teach your child to be responsible for the book.
**Field trip - Tuesday. 2/21 we will travel to Joliet’s Pilcher Park with third grade for the running of the sap! It is mostly outside and includes hiking. Lunch of pancakes, sausage, milk and REAL maple syrup is included. We will limit the chaperones due to bus space. Trip slips attached.
**Book bags- you have been receiving a short story as homework for your child in a Ziploc bag either Tuesday or Thursday. Please let/help your child read the story to you, then initial and return the book in the bag the very next day so we may send it to the next child. Enjoy your budding reader! Flashcards will be coming home soon
** **Sickness-please call your child in and send a note upon return. We are working very hard on germ control, including hand washing, coughing/sneezing into elbows, and tossing out tissues.

Happy Groundhog’s Day….lots to do and say this short month! Pat yourself on the back -you've almost made it through 100 days of being a kindergarten parent! Thanks for sharing your "oldster" with me!

P.S. See attached letter about weekly homework.